Eloisa Cortinas

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Eloisa Cortinas, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on December 7, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on April 30, 1936, Eloisa graced our lives with her warm spirit and unwavering love.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Anita Pruitt; husband of 62 years, Trinidad Cortinas; son, Henry Cortinas.
Eloisa is survived by her sons, Domingo Cortinas, Trine Cortinez and wife, Ruth Cortinas, Bricelyn Cortinas (Grandson); daughters, Lisa Cortinas, Vickie Allen and husband, William Allen; Judy Lee and Brink Lee; grandchildren, Joshua Cortinas, Jennifer Delgado, Tristan Allen, Jonathan Lee, Katelyn Lee, and Preston Lee; fifteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 16th from 5:00pm-9:00pm with Rosary recited at 7:00pm in the Funeral Chapel at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, TX. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec 17th at 10:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine, TX with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Devine, TX.
If you would like to express your condolences or share a memory, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.

Robert Alan Stolzman

Robert Alan Stolzman of Devine, Texas has passed away at the age of 56
Robert graduated from Devine High School in 1986, then attended Kansas State until an injury brought him back to Texas. A few years later, he started a successful business and met his lovely wife Bonnie. They welcomed their two children into the world in 2002 and 2005. Robert spent his life coaching, introducing them to the outdoors, he was both a cub scout, and girl scout leader, and being ever present in their lives. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Devine, and made many lasting relationships in his time there.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Stolzman, mother, Ola Frances Taylor; cousin Alan Hill, great aunt, Pat Hill, and great uncle, Bert Hill, and close friend Andy Acock.
He leaves behind his loving children, Hannah and Gordon Stolzman; brothers, Mike and Barry Stolzman; cousins, Chris, Dale, Betty, Tiffany, and W.T. Hill, and close friend, Frank Hopkins.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Devine, Texas at 11:30am.
If you would like to send flowers, please send them directly to the church.
If you would like to share a memory, or express your condolences, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com

John Edward Naegelin Jr.“Sonny”

October 30, 1953 – December 17, 2024

John Edward Naegelin Jr., passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at the age of 71. He was a hardworking man, a beloved husband, a loving father, and a faithful servant of God. His life was full of love, faith, and dedication to his family, friends, and the land he cared for.

Born on October 30, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas, John grew up on his family farm in Lytle. He developed a deep love and respect for the land and worked it with pride throughout his life.

On June 7, 1975, John married Doris Matula. Together, they raised seven children and built a home on their family ranch. John taught his kids the value of hard work, integrity, and enjoying the simple things in life.

He is survived by his children:

John E. Naegelin III, Susan E. Pick (Josh), Dennis E. Naegelin (Justa), Judy E. Ortiz (Sid), Annette E. Devaney (Kevin), Marvin E. Naegelin (RoseAnn), and Kevin E. Naegelin (Briana).

His greatest joy was being “PawPaw” to his grandchildren:

Taylor Adams, Khloe Naegelin, Tori Adams, Ace Naegelin, Christian Ortiz, Jaxon Adams, Sidney Ortiz, Connor Devaney, Sonny Ortiz, Brooke Devaney, Paisley Naegelin, MacLaine Naegelin, Collyns Pick, Montana Naegelin, Bradley Naegelin, LouAnna Naegelin, Noa Naegelin, and Jax Naegelin.

He is also survived by his wife, Doris, his brothers Gerald, Peter, and David Naegelin, his sister Lynda Jacob, and many friends who were touched by his kindness and wisdom.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John Edward Naegelin Sr. and Catherine Naegelin, his sister Tonia Johnson, and his brother Mark Naegelin.

John enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with his brothers, sons, and friends. Known for his generosity and steady nature, John was a well-respected figure in the Lytle community. Though his boots have rested, his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those he helped.

Visitation will be held at Prime Rose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas, on December 22, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by the Rosary.

Funeral services will take place at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lytle on December 23, 2024, at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, Texas. A reception will be held afterward at The Lazy Longhorn Ranch, 2620 FM 2200, Devine, TX 78016. The Naegelin family invites all who knew John to join them in sharing stories and remembering his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in John’s memory.

Rest in peace, John “Sonny” Naegelin. You were loved, you will be missed, and your spirit will live on in the land you worked, the family you cherished, and the lives you touched.

Carlos “Charlie” Amaya

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carlos “Charlie” Amaya, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, who departed this life on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the age of 63. He was born on February 26, 1961, in Atascosa County, Texas to Maurillo and Maria T. Amaya.
Carlos spent his life in Poteet, Texas where he touched the hearts of many with warmth, humor, and unwavering spirit.
At a young age his father instilled in him and his brothers a passion for music. He would play the guitar and sing vocals in his band Grupo Amaya. His life was filled with rhythm and harmony that he continued throughout his whole life. Carlos always had his music playing while barbecuing, fishing, and during family gatherings. Carlos cherished his family and friends that he always put before himself. He was a selfless person with a huge heart. He had a playful nature and unconditional love. He was well known in Poteet, Texas for his laughter, generous heart, and unwavering support which will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.
He worked tirelessly for over 20 years as a Miller for CH Guenther & Sons Pioneer in San Antonio, Texas, where he was known for his hardworking spirit and dedication to his craft. His genuine kindness and sense of humor made a lasting impression on his coworkers and the many lives he touched.
Carlos devoted his life to his family, work, and loving wife of 44 years, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. The family wishes to thank all who touched his life.

Continue reading “Carlos “Charlie” Amaya”

Stroud sets new record, 51 years in a row

59 years of basketball refereeing overall

Southwest Texas College in Uvalde, 59 years of basketball refereeing overall

2024 was the 51st year in a row for Lewis Stroud to be invited to referee the tournament in Uvalde at the college, now called Southwest Texas College, formerly SWT Junior College. “What makes this tournament so special is the people that run the tournament. They always treat you nice and go out of their way to run a good tournament”, said Stroud.
“This is very special to me. Some of the people that I will always remember and never forget are Landra and Rob Fowler, Gary Eagle, James Volz, John Coronado, Clint Urby, Kenneth Dismuke, Ricky and Jesse Rubio.” Lots of good memories are made at these tournaments. Pictured are referees John Reinhart, and Lewis Stroud with Landra and Rob Fowler and James Volz.
“This is my 59th year as a basketball referee,” said Stroud.
This is one record that we doubt anyone will ever beat!

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Carter Clayton was recognized as the Youth Citizen of the Year by Lytle City Council this week. Mayor Gonzalez described him as “an unbelievable person” who began volunteering at the animal care and control center and eventually adopted a dog named Freckles. Together the pair began visiting the local nursing home with Freckles serving as a therapy dog to the residents

Bomb Squad X-rays backpack

Authorities took every precaution after the report was made, with the FBI,
SA Bomb Squad and many others responding to help.

Chief explains Donation was neither a hoax nor bomb

We spoke to Chief Justin Kohler this Tuesday, who wants to clear up any confusion about the incident, which was neither a hoax nor a bomb.
This past Monday, December 9, a man set the backpack down near the donation station beside the Diamond Shamrock/ Dairy Queen area in Castroville, and quickly drove off.
Castroville PD was notified and after inspection, contacted the SA Bomb Squad who quickly responded to help.
“Basically what happened is it was a backpack that had material in it that looked suspicious. So we contacted the SA Bomb Squad, and they agreed,” Chief Kohler said.
The investigation and procedures eventually led to shutting down HWY 90 around 3:40 pm.
“They did an X-ray of the package and were concerned enough…

Read the full story by subscribing at www.devinenewsmembers.com

4-day week debate

Speakers voiced concerns on both sides of the Devine 4-day week debate.

By Anton Riecher and Kayleen Holder
A decision on whether Devine ISD will move to a four-day school week remains in limbo after the big school board meeting Dec. 4.  Citizens, staff, and school board spoke on both sides of the important issue.
Trustees Chris Davis, Carl Brown and Henry Moreno voted in favor of the four-day week with Davis making the motion. Renee Frieda, Keri James and Ali Buvinghausen opposed the measure.
All eyes focused on board president Nancy Pepper when the stalemate became apparent. Pepper said she had strong feelings on both sides of the fence, and chose to abstain from voting for the change.
“I feel I need to abstain since it’s a split vote,” Pepper said…

Read the full story by subscribing at www.devinenewsmembers.com

First Natalia Night Parade met with enthusiasm

The Arriola family’s float was awarded with “Most Lights” at the first annual Night Christmas parade which was a huge hit!

By Catherine Richard
A large crowd gathered in the cold, breezy night last Thursday, and Christmas music drifted through the air as everyone waited for the parade to begin. Cars lined the half mile stretch in front of the Natalia Veterans Memorial Monument, with families sitting on tailgates and lawn chairs while others shopped the Christmas market set up nearby.
At 6:30 p.m., runners dressed in their Santa suits raced past the crowd, drumming up excitement for the beautiful hour-long parade that followed.
There were more than 60 floats in the lineup!
After the display of lights, the appearance of iconic Christmas characters such as Santa and the Grinch, and even fireworks (courtesy of Scooterz Fireworks) aded tons of fun. Many kiddos lined up excitedly to meet with Santa at the Natalia City Offices.

Biker Santa from Calvary Chapel

Destino Danzzar Performance Group Dancer

Fire Department Santa